Earth Day event draws volunteers to Grant Woods

Tenth Congressional Representative Brad Schneider was one of 25 Earth Day volunteers to accept the call from Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation to serve the community Saturday, April 22, in Grant Woods Forest Preserve.

Grant Woods is part of Lake County's extensive forest preserve system.

Led by Tom Smith, stewardship coordinator of the Lake County Forest Preserve, who manages the efforts of volunteer groups such as LCVFSF, the team cleared buckthorn, an invasive and fast-growing shrub that chokes out attractive trees, plants and shrubs.

Once buckthorn is cut and removed, new, more diverse plant growth follows and, with it, birds and other species.

The Earth Day event is part of LCVFSF's ongoing effort to match veterans and family members with opportunities to improve the community.

Called "Service Platoon," the initiative seeks to match volunteers with needs such as painting a school playground and sending "care packages" to deployed troops.

"We were lucky to get a great weather-day," said LCVFSF peer support specialist Michael Hughes. "Our volunteers cut and stacked three huge piles of buckthorn, which we proceeded to burn. I think we helped Grant Woods become a healthier, more beautiful environment. Thanks to everyone who volunteered."

To join the Service Platoon, contact LCVFSF at (847) 986-4622 or visit www.lakevetsfound.org.

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